Pura Hara Nandana Ripu kula Panchana
Sikindra Vahana Mahendra Paalana
This song is set in Mohan Kalyani raga, and I used to wonder to which deity Dikshitar has devoted this song. I felt "vahana" meaning vehicle should provide a clue, since each Hindu god is associated with a particular animal as vehicle. But, "Sikindra" was not an obvious animal name. Looking up, I found "Siki" is another word for Peacock (the more common word we know is "Mayur"), and that essesntially meant the deity that Dikshitar is referring to is Lord Muruga. Every time I listen to a Dikshitar krithi, I am amazed by his knowledge and rigor in applying them to his compositions.
Sikindra Vahana Mahendra Paalana
This song is set in Mohan Kalyani raga, and I used to wonder to which deity Dikshitar has devoted this song. I felt "vahana" meaning vehicle should provide a clue, since each Hindu god is associated with a particular animal as vehicle. But, "Sikindra" was not an obvious animal name. Looking up, I found "Siki" is another word for Peacock (the more common word we know is "Mayur"), and that essesntially meant the deity that Dikshitar is referring to is Lord Muruga. Every time I listen to a Dikshitar krithi, I am amazed by his knowledge and rigor in applying them to his compositions.
2 comments:
hi,
I am so delighted to see your views and writings on Dikshithar Krithis ; I enjoy it! Regarding the song - as you said it is on Lord Muruga only, as you may see the first line you referred "Pura Hara Nandana" - pura hara refers to 'thripura samahara murthi-lord Parameshwara and Nandana means "son" . "Pura hara nandana" is "son of the one who demolished Pura" and that is Subhrammanya or Muruga . This is my opinion! Is it ok?
Glad you are delighted. Absolutely - you are right on, interpreting "Pura Hara Nandana" from the first line itself. I wasn't familiar with that historical or mythological reference (which city was demolished?!), but learned that later as well.
Post a Comment